History of Manaus in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

Manaus is the capital and largest city of Amazonas, a state in Brazil. With an estimated 2024 population of over 2.2 million, it's Brazil's seventh-largest city. Located in the east centre of the state, near the confluence of the Negro and Amazon rivers, Manaus is the center of its metropolitan area and the largest in Brazil's North Region by urban landmass. It's one of only two Amazon rainforest cities with a population exceeding 1 million.

January 17, 1909: Foundation of the Federal University of Amazonas

On January 17, 1909, the Federal University of Amazonas, the oldest federal university in Brazil, was founded.

January 1913: Foundation of Nacional Futebol Clube

In January 1913, Nacional Futebol Clube, the most successful club in Manaus, was founded.

1913: Atlético Rio Negro Clube Founded

In 1913, Atlético Rio Negro Clube was founded. They have won the state championship 17 times.

November 18, 1918: São Raimundo EC Founded

On November 18, 1918, São Raimundo EC was founded. They have since won the state championship six times and the North Cup 3 times.

1932: Sul América Esporte Clube Founded

On 1 of May, 1932, Sul América Esporte Clube was founded.

October 23, 1951: National Congress approval of Free Trade Port project

On October 23, 1951, the Free Trade Port project was approved by the National Congress under No. 1.310.

August 1955: Temperature drop due to polar air masses

In August 1955, Manaus experienced a rare drop in temperature to 18 °C (64.4 °F) or below due to the influence of intense polar air masses.

June 6, 1957: Formalization of Free Trade Port idea

On June 6, 1957, the initial idea of a Free Trade Port in Manaus was formalized by Law No. 3.173.

February 2, 1960: Regulation of Free Trade Port project

On February 2, 1960, the Free Trade Port project was regulated by Decree No. 47.757.

1960: City population in 1960

In 1960, the population of Manaus was 343,038 inhabitants.

February 28, 1967: Redefinition of Manaus Free Trade Zone

On February 28, 1967, President Castelo Branco signed Decree-Law No. 288, redefining the Manaus Free Trade Zone and stipulating its radius and economic means for regional development.

August 28, 1967: Creation of Manaus Free Trade Zone Authority

On August 28, 1967, the Manaus Free Trade Zone Authority (SUBFRAME) was created as an independent body with legal status, assets, and financial autonomy.

1967: Manaus Free Trade Zone introduction

In 1967, the Manaus Free Trade Zone was introduced, leading to a period of financial and economic investments and significant demographic growth for Manaus.

1970: City population in 1970

By 1970, the population of Manaus had grown to 622,733 inhabitants.

1970: Northeastern Championship Runners-up

In 1970, National Fast Club were Northeastern Championship runners-up.

1970: Inauguration of the Vivaldão

In 1970, the Vivaldão was inaugurated by the Brazilian national team before their victorious 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

1970: Participant of highest division

Nacional Futebol Clube was a participant of the highest division several times starting in 1970.

1982: Fitzcarraldo film scenes

In 1982, the Teatro Amazonas was used in scenes of the Werner Herzog film Fitzcarraldo.

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September 9, 1986: José Aldo Born

José Aldo, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and notable UFC fighter, was born on September 9, 1986.

1989: Illegally cleared areas

In 1989, some areas were illegally cleared.

1989: Lowest temperature registered

In 1989, the lowest temperature registered in Manaus was 12 °C (53.6 °F), according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).

1990: City population in 1990

By 1990, the population of Manaus had reached 1,025,979 inhabitants, with a density of 90 inhabitants per square kilometre.

1990: Participant of highest division

Nacional Futebol Clube was a participant of the highest division several times ending in 1990.

1992: State Championship Won

In 1992, Sul América Esporte Clube won the state championship.

1992: Creation of ecological area

In 1992, an urban area in the November 10 Park district was created to be an area of ecological interest.

1993: State Championship Won

In 1993, Sul América Esporte Clube won the state championship.

1996: Atlético Clipper Clube Runners-up

In 1996, Atlético Clipper Clube finished as runners-up in the state championship.

1997: Reopening of the Teatro Amazonas

After being closed for almost 90 years, the Teatro Amazonas reopened in 1997 to produce live opera, attracting performers from around the world.

2002: Atlético Clipper Clube Runners-up

In 2002, Atlético Clipper Clube finished as runners-up in the state championship.

December 14, 2004: Opening of third cargo terminal at Eduardo Gomes International Airport

On December 14, 2004, Infraero opened the third cargo terminal at Eduardo Gomes International Airport, Brazil's third largest in freight movement.

2007: Eastern region population

In 2007, the eastern region of Manaus was the most populated, with approximately 600,000 inhabitants.

2008: Inauguration of cargo terminal by TAM Airlines

In 2008, TAM Airlines inaugurated its own cargo terminal near the airport, claiming it to be the largest in Brazil.

November 26, 2009: Case of acid rain

On November 26, 2009, a case of acid rain was recorded in Manaus, caused by air pollution from smoke and sulfur dioxide emitted by cars, exacerbated by drought and forest fires.

2009: Chosen as Host City for 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2009, Manaus was chosen to be a host city for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, representing the North Region of Brazil.

2013: Genetic ancestry study

According to a 2013 genetic study, the ancestry of Manaus inhabitants is 45.9% European, 37.8% Native American, and 16.3% African.

2013: Manaus Futebol Clube Founded

In 2013, Manaus Futebol Clube was founded and competes in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C.

2014: GDP statistics

According to IBGE in 2014, Manaus' GDP was R$67,5 billion, with a per capita income of R$33,446.

2014: 2014 FIFA World Cup Matches Held in Manaus

In 2014, Manaus hosted World Cup matches including England vs Italy on June 14, Cameroon vs Croatia on June 18, USA vs Portugal on June 22, and Honduras vs Switzerland on June 25. Manaus also hosted the first-ever official water break during the USA vs Portugal match on June 22.

2014: Host City for 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Manaus served as a host city for the FIFA World Cup.

2014: Arena Amazônia for the 2014 World Cup

In 2014, the 44,000-seater Arena Amazônia replaced the Vivaldão for the World Cup.

2014: 2014 World Cup Host City

Manaus was one of the twelve Brazilian host cities of the 2014 World Cup.

2014: Plans to restore the city centre

Plans were prompted by the 2014 World Cup to restore the Manaus city centre to its former glory, by removing beggars and irregular sellers from sidewalks and providing more safety for tourists and locals in the historical areas.

2014: Refurbishment and expansion of passenger terminal

The passenger terminal at Manaus airport was fully refurbished and expanded in time for the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup.

2015: Highest temperature registered

In 2015, the highest temperature registered in Manaus was 39 °C (102.2 °F), according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).

2016: 2016 Summer Olympics Host City

In 2016, Manaus was one of the six host cities for football matches at the Summer Olympics.

January 2017: Massive prison riot

In January 2017, a massive prison riot began in Manaus and spread to two other cities in Brazil, creating security problems within the country.

2019: Population statistics

According to the IBGE in 2019, Manaus had 2,182,763 residents, with 2,676,936 people in the Metropolitan Region. The population density was 191.45 inhabitants per square kilometre.

2019: Petrification Event in Dr. Stone

In 2019, the anime and manga Dr. Stone depicts an explosion near Manaus causing the petrification of all humans on earth.

January 2021: Second COVID-19 outbreak with new variant

In early January 2021, Manaus experienced a second outbreak of COVID-19, this time with the Lineage B.1.1.248 variant.

2024: Estimated Population

In 2024, Manaus had an estimated population of 2,279,686, making it the seventh-largest city in Brazil.

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